Netanyahu apologises to Qatari PM over Doha attack in call from White House

Netanyahu apologises to Qatari PM for Doha attack in call from White House: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday phoned Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani from the White House and apologised for the recent strike in Doha targeting senior Hamas figures, reports AFP, citing a diplomat.

The operation earlier this month killed five people, including the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and his aide, Jihad Labad. Netanyahu made the call after meeting US President Donald Trump.

Israel’s Channel 12 said the conversation lasted several minutes. A source familiar told Axios that Netanyahu “apologized for violating Qatari sovereignty in the strike on Doha and expressed regret for the killing of a Qatari security officer.”

The strike had drawn condemnation from Qatar, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari calling it a violation of international law that targeted residential buildings housing Hamas political bureau members. Hamas accused both Israel and the US of responsibility, stating the assassination attempt would not change its negotiating stance.

Netanyahu had warned Qatar to expel Hamas officials or “bring them to justice. because if you don’t, we will,” prompting Doha to call his comments “reckless.”

The apology came amid ongoing efforts by the US to finalise a Gaza peace deal and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. A Qatari technical team was present at the White House during Netanyahu’s visit.

Earlier, the Trump administration confirmed that Israel had informed the US about the planned strike. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Qataris were notified about Israel’s “impending strikes,” though Doha denied receiving prior warning.

“This morning, the Trump Administration was notified by the United States Military that Israel was attacking Hamas, which, very unfortunately, was located in a section of Doha, the Capital of Qatar. This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu; it was not a decision made by me,” Trump said.